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I have the Benchmark and like it very much.
I've seen a few comments in various forums from people who found it to be analytical or sterile but that has not been my experience at all. I've used it with a number of amplifiers, all-tube AES separates, Simaudio I-5, Rawson gainclone and an Onkyo A9555 integrated. The Benchmark seems to add no character of its own, it lets me hear the differences in the amps and even in different tubes quite clearly.
I've read great things about the Lavry and the Bel Canto and assume either of them would be an excellent choice, as well, but I can recommend the Benchmark if you want to begin with a neutral source and tailor the sound to your liking further down the chain.
I have the Benchmark and like it very much.
I've seen a few comments in various forums from people who found it to be analytical or sterile but that has not been my experience at all. I've used it with a number of amplifiers, all-tube AES separates, Simaudio I-5, Rawson gainclone and an Onkyo A9555 integrated. The Benchmark seems to add no character of its own, it lets me hear the differences in the amps and even in different tubes quite clearly.
I've read great things about the Lavry and the Bel Canto and assume either of them would be an excellent choice, as well, but I can recommend the Benchmark if you want to begin with a neutral source and tailor the sound to your liking further down the chain.